In Costa Rica, many students are returning to school after summer. For some students, this is the start of another school year, while for others...
September 15 marks Costa Rica’s Independence Day, celebrating its 104th anniversary in 2025. It is a national holiday alive with color, rhythm, and collective pride. In town, the day takes on an even deeper meaning: a celebration where the warmth of Costa Rican tradition meets the close-knit charm of a walkable beachfront community. In town, we will be celebrating on September 12th, but you can expect celebratory events all weekend long in Guanacaste and throughout the country.
For travelers looking for where to stay in Las Catalinas, or those browsing vacation rentals in Costa Rica, Las Catalinas Doorway offers a unique opportunity to experience this national holiday not as an outsider, but as a welcomed guest. It is one of the most colorful ways to enjoy Costa Rica’s authentic culture.
A National Holiday with Heart
Costa Rica’s independence was declared in 1821, part of a peaceful process that united the five Central American provinces: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, under a shared goal of self-determination after centuries of Spanish colonial rule. The news of independence arrived by messenger weeks after the official signing in Guatemala City, carried slowly by horseback along the historic Ruta de la Antorcha, or Torch Route. Today, this journey is remembered with student-led relays across the country, passing a symbolic flame from community to community.
Each year on the September 15th weekend, the nation marks this milestone with a festive tribute to peace, identity, and unity. From coast to coast, the day is filled with traditional music, folkloric dance, school band performances, and cultural displays that bring people together in joyful remembrance.
In town, the spirit of the day is woven into the rhythm of daily life. Local music drifts through car-free walkways. Children and families fill plazas dressed in red, white, and blue. The pace slows, the mood lifts, and visitors are invited to join in a vibrant and genuine expression of national pride.
Las Catalinas celebrates Independence Day on September 12 with a full day of traditional activities. At 10:00 am, the town’s preschool, Elif, leads a Recorrido de Faroles (lantern parade). At 3:00 pm, the Carrera de la Antorcha (torch run) takes place, followed by a 4:30 pm performance of regional folklore dance. The day concludes at 5:00 pm with live music from a marimba orchestra, filling town with the sounds of Costa Rica’s heritage.
Even for those who are new to Costa Rica, the celebration feels deeply welcoming. It is a time of togetherness, and in town, that spirit extends to everyone—residents, weekend guests, and travelers of all ages.
Local Flavor, Rich Traditions
Whether you are visiting for the weekend or staying long-term, Independence Day offers a meaningful way to engage with Costa Rican culture. In past years, town has featured folk music, culinary experiences, and traditional dress, all set within a naturally beautiful and intentionally designed community.
Guests who book through Las Catalinas Doorway often find themselves just steps from the celebration. With local insights, and concierge support, it is easy to take part in the day—through a curated dining experience, a family-friendly activity, or a quiet moment overlooking the ocean.
Across Costa Rica, Independence Day begins at dawn with flag-raising ceremonies and symbolic relays. Children dress in trajes típicos—traditional outfits that honor the country’s diverse regional heritage. The evening of September 14 brings one of the most meaningful traditions: the Antorcha de la Libertad, a torch that retraces the historic journey of 1821, when the news of independence traveled by foot and horseback from Guatemala through Central America. Today, runners still carry this symbolic flame across borders, keeping that spirit alive. As night falls, its fire is echoed in the glow of faroles—handmade lanterns crafted by children and families. Together, the torch and the lanterns shine as symbols of freedom, filling streets with unity, pride, and the enduring joy of a nation celebrating its history.
In many Costa Rican households, food plays an important role in the celebration. Families gather to prepare traditional dishes such as tamales, picadillos, or empanadas filled with seasonal ingredients. These flavors are part of the experience, offering guests a delicious way to connect with Costa Rican culture.
Visitors in town are invited to observe and participate fully. Whether savoring a traditional meal like arroz con pollo, admiring the creativity of local artisans, or learning the story behind the national anthem, every gesture deepens the connection to place and tradition. Don a traditional chonete bucket hat, wave a colorful bandana, and join the celebration with a smile.
Feel at Home in the Celebration
One of the most fulfilling ways to experience a holiday abroad is by feeling part of the community. With Las Catalinas Doorway, that sense of belonging is woven into every stay. Guests can choose from a carefully selected range of vacation homes, flats, and villas, or a traditional boutique hotel, each located within walking distance of town’s central gathering spaces.
If you are searching for where to stay at Las Catalinas or exploring vacation rentals Costa Rica for a fall getaway, September offers something truly special that is truly emblematic of the green season. This travel period is known for its peaceful mornings, lush green landscapes, and tranquil pace. Independence Day brings an added sense of joy and meaning, enriching your time in town with cultural immersions and shared Tico experiences.
Unlike larger cities where celebrations can feel distant or crowded, town’s layout invites connection. You are never far from the moment, whether you are strolling past decorated homes or sharing a conversation with neighbors over lunch. Every corner becomes part of the story.
For families, it is a safe and accessible way to introduce children to another culture. For couples and solo travelers, it offers depth and discovery without the need to venture far. And for returning guests or long-term homeowners, it is a reminder of why this place continues to resonate with the chant of “Güipipía!”
Start Your Cultural Journey with Las Catalinas Doorway
Independence Day is more than a national holiday. It is an invitation to reflect, to connect, and to celebrate something meaningful. In town, it is also an opportunity to feel part of something real.
Las Catalinas Doorway provides the perfect gateway for this experience, blending cultural engagement with elevated comfort and personal support.
Discover where tradition meets ease. Book your stay with Las Catalinas Doorway and experience Independence Day in a place where every guest is welcomed and every moment matters.
